Plan, LRMP

  B. Current status​

1. In the LRMP, lineage greenback cutthroat trout are identified as present in the management area.

2. It is a federally listed, threatened species.

3. It has documented habitat in Little Taylor, Rio Lado, Roaring Forks, and Stoner [2].

4. The LRMP notes that the Colorado River cutthroat trout present is a Forest Service sensitive species.

5. It is found in "headwaters streams...tributary to the San Juan River system," including the study area [2].

6. The LRMP notes also the "decline of the Colorado River cutthroat trout has been so severe..." [2].

7. That it "was petitioned for federal listing" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [2].

  C. Looking forward​

1. Listing was not approved, however, partially because of ongoing restoration activities [2].

2. Still, it "may be especially vulnerable to increasing stream temperatures and hydrologic changes" [2, 3].

3. The LRMP identifies cutthroat, brook, brown, and rainbow trout as Management Indicator Species (MIS).

4. Such identification is part of the Forest Service's integrated planning process [2].

5. The LRMP cites concern for loss of flow that can diminish food supply and "ultimately, aquatic habitat" [2].

6. The LRMP expresses concern for sediment loading that can develop from grazing and other activities.

7. It can reduce intergravel dissolved oxygen and increase stream temperatures, damaging fish habitat [2, 4].

8. The LRMP indicates that inventories show decreasing brook, brown, cutthroat, and rainbow populations [2].

9. It notes with continuing drought conditions, "fishery habitat is predicted to decrease into the future" [2].

10. Rainbow and cutthroat trout populations may be kept stable by "artificial stocking" [2].

11. Meanwhile, harvest would continue for all four species "in accordance with state fishing regulations" [2].